verbose

/vɜːˈbəʊs/ · vur-BOHSadjective

Using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

Use verbose to express this relationship precisely: using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

What verbose Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core quality

Using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

Example

The manual is accurate but unnecessarily verbose.

2

Attributive or predicative use

Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.

Example

Her revised explanation is clearer and less verbose.

3

Analytical distinction

Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.

Example

A verbose introduction delayed the article's main point.

Use verbose Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The manual is accurate but unnecessarily verbose.

Her revised explanation is clearer and less verbose.

A verbose introduction delayed the article's main point.

Precision Matters

Verbose overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

verbose

Means using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

vs.
laconic

Means using very few words.

verbose

Means using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

vs.
eloquent

Means fluent, expressive, and persuasive in speech, writing, or action.

verbose

Means using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

vs.
superfluous

Means unnecessary because more than enough is already present.

verbose

Means using or containing more words than are necessary to express an idea.

vs.
articulate

Means able to express ideas clearly, fluently, and effectively.

Test verbose in Context

The paragraph uses far more words than necessary.

1

The editor reduced the ___ paragraph from two hundred words to fifty without losing any information.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology